1. The way an audience perceives the play is shaped by the choice of performance venue, as well as the set that is designed for the play. Indeed, all the elements that you see and hear during a performance are bound to shape your perception of the play. Which of the following venues do you think can best meet the needs of the play?
Proscenium
Arena
Thrust
Flexible
Given the details in the script, why do you think it is the best venue for a production?
Given that the play takes place in a single home setting, I picture the venue to be in Proscenium to maximize the action and dialogue in a single space. We also get the full spectrum of the small details that the women bring out.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the design team?
Since this is a period play, the costumes and props must portray the right time period to give that important message. Also, major attention to design must be given to the special symbolism of each of the discoveries that the women find. I can see lighting being a challenge since too much light might give away some of the secrets found in the house.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character?
I choose Mrs. Hale. I can see this character dressed in the proper period attire, as well as wearing clothing that would suggest the frigid temperatures. Since she is the most important character in the play, her clothing would have to stand out more than the rest to give significance and to direct the audience’s attention to her.
4. Given the content of the play, how might the lighting design help further the mood of the production?
Given the mystery and the element of surprise that this play entitles, lighting is very crucial. I would suggest dim lights set the mood for a crime scene. I would focus the majority of the light on what the ladies are doing to keep the audience engaged and focused, and not so much on the men.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to accentuate the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
I would suggest dramatic tones for this play. In the beginning, when Mr. Hale is recollecting his encounter, I would use a mellow string orchestra. During the investigation done by the women, I would use a sad and mellow violin ensemble. I would use wind noise when they refer to the winter storm, and fire crackle sounds for the wood burning stove. This will help set the mood that warmth only comes from the stove while everything around is cold.
1/18/2017
Richmond, Theater 2110
Trifles Design Worksheet
1. The way an audience perceives the play is shaped by the choice of performance venue, as well as the set that is designed for the play. Indeed, all the elements that you see and hear during a performance are bound to shape your perception of the play. Which of the following venues do you think can best meet the needs of the play?
Proscenium
Arena
Thrust
Flexible
Given the details in the script, why do you think it is the best venue for a production?
Given that the play takes place in a single home setting, I picture the venue to be in Proscenium to maximize the action and dialogue in a single space. We also get the full spectrum of the small details that the women bring out.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the design team?
Since this is a period play, the costumes and props must portray the right time period to give that important message. Also, major attention to design must be given to the special symbolism of each of the discoveries that the women find. I can see lighting being a challenge since too much light might give away some of the secrets found in the house.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character?
I choose Mrs. Hale. I can see this character dressed in the proper period attire, as well as wearing clothing that would suggest the frigid temperatures. Since she is the most important character in the play, her clothing would have to stand out more than the rest to give significance and to direct the audience’s attention to her.
4. Given the content of the play, how might the lighting design help further the mood of the production?
Given the mystery and the element of surprise that this play entitles, lighting is very crucial. I would suggest dim lights set the mood for a crime scene. I would focus the majority of the light on what the ladies are doing to keep the audience engaged and focused, and not so much on the men.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to accentuate the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
I would suggest dramatic tones for this play. In the beginning, when Mr. Hale is recollecting his encounter, I would use a mellow string orchestra. During the investigation done by the women, I would use a sad and mellow violin ensemble. I would use wind noise when they refer to the winter storm, and fire crackle sounds for the wood burning stove. This will help set the mood that warmth only comes from the stove while everything around is cold.